Ryhmäteatteri performs at the Suomenlinna Open-Air Theatre every summer
The Suomenlinna Open-Air Theatre is located on an island off the coast of Helsinki, in the popular Suomenlinna Sea Fortress area. It can be reached by a short ferry ride from the Market Square. The theatre is a fully covered outdoor venue, so weather does not affect performances. The auditorium has 530 seats.
The popular Open-air Theatre has been operating since 1968.
Missä kuljimme kerran (Where Once We Walked)
This summer, the Suomenlinna Open-Air Theatre will stage Riikka Oksanen’s dramatization and direction of Kjell Westö’s Finlandia Prize winning novel Missä kuljimme kerran (Where Once We Walked). Performances are subtitled in English on Wednesdays and Fridays. Performance season is from June to August.
Arriving to Suomenlinna
You can reach Suomenlinna from Helsinki’s Market Square by taking the HSL ferry or the FRS Finland water bus. See more information below.
We recommend arriving at Market Square by public transportation to reduce emissions, and because arking spaces in the Market Square area are very limited.
We do not recommend taking the last possible ferry or water bus to Suomenlinna, as departure and travel times may vary slightly due to passenger numbers, sea conditions, and other maritime traffic. Ryhmäteatteri is not responsible for changes to ferry and waterbus schedules or other possible delays.
HSL ferry (market square – Suomenlinna Main pier)
The HSL ferry runs 1–4 times an hour, depending on the time of day. The journey to Suomenlinna takes about 15 minutes. The HSL ferry departs from the east side of Market Square, near the Presidential Palace. In Suomenlinna, the ferry arrives at the main pier, from which it is about a 15-minute walk to the theatre.
The ferry is part of the city’s public transportation, meaning HSL public transportation zone A tickets are valid on the ferry. Tickets are not sold on the ferry.
Waterbus (market square – Tykistönlahti pier)
FRS Finland water bus runs from Market Square to Tykistönlahti in Suomenlinna, and the trip takes about 30 minutes (please note that there are 1–2 other stops along the way). It’s about a 10-minute walk from the Tykistönlahti pier to the theatre. Please note that weather conditions affect the water bus schedule more easily than the ferry.
We recommend purchasing water bus tickets in advance from the FRS Finland online store. Tickets can also be purchased on board.
After our evening performances, an extra FRS Finland water bus will wait for members of the audience to board and head directly to the Market Square.
Plan your visit
Check out the selection at our theatre’s cafe bar below and see our tips for the perfect day in Suomenlinna!
Maps and services of Suomenlinna
If you are not familiar with the area, please check the map of Suomenlinna or download the Reveel app.
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that must be preserved for future generations. Please visit Suomenlinna responsibly.
Our Cafe bar
The Suomenlinna Open-Air Theatre’s cafe bar is located outdoors in front of the theatre. The cafe bar is open one hour before the performance and during intermission. It serves cold and hot drinks, and a savory and sweet snacks.
Weather conditions
Despite its name, our open-air theatre is fully covered, and we have never had to cancel a performance due to weather. However, be sure to dress for the weather!
In the early summer, the fortress’s thick walls, which take a while to warm up, make the theatre chilly—so dress warmly. Blankets are available. On hot days, we recommend bringing your own water bottle and, for example, a folding fan. If the summer is warm, the walls retain heat and keep the audience comfortably warm well into late August even with the Baltic Sea breeze.
Accessibility
You can read about accessibility at the Open-air Theatre and the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress area, as well as the ferries, from the link below.
Our local recommendations
Restaurants and cafés
- Close to the theatre is the charming Adlerfelt, where you can relax for a quick drink or linger for a long evening.
- The King’s Gate restaurant complex includes the historic à la carte restaurant Walhalla, the cozy summer terrace Terrace1917, and Pizzeria Nikolai.
- Suomenlinna’s guest harbor’s bistro Cafe Bar Valimo is a summer oasis.
- Bastion Bistro offers a magnificent sea view of the Helsinki skyline from its terrace.
- Next to the main pier, the continental cuisine at Restaurant Suomenlinnan Panimo reflects and captures the history of Suomenlinna.
- Our team’s official hangout is the cozy Linna Bar.
- Cafe Silo is the most atmospheric café on Suomenlinna.
- Cafe Vanille offers the island’s most generous cream cakes.
- At Cafe Piper, you can enjoy your coffee and treats with the best view in Suomenlinna.
Other services
- Suomenlinna is also home to five museums.
- You can also stay overnight in Suomenlinna.
Lost and found
Did you leave something behind in the open-air theatre? You can inquire about lost and found items by contacting Eeva Oinonen, the café manager, by phone at 040 548 9447 or by email at eeva@ryhmateatteri.fi.